CAFB to celebrate 60/65 Published Aug. 15, 2007 By Sonic Johnson 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- By now, many of the BLAZE Team members may have heard talk about the 60/65 celebration but may not know exactly what that means. This year, the United States Air Force turns 60 years young. As we as a Service celebrate this birthday, locally at Columbus AFB also have another anniversary to celebrate. This is the 65th anniversary of Columbus AFB being operational. We trace our heritage back to when the U.S. Army Air Corps opened its Twin Engine Flying School here in 1942. To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Air Force and the 65th Anniversary of Columbus AFB, CAFB will host a number of events. While we have been incorporating many 60th anniversary themes throughout the year in most of our local events, the 65th anniversary events will begin in September, and hence the 60/65 theme. Our current wing commander has a vision to rename many of our streets that currently cleverly named A, B, C or First, Second and Third streets in honor of servicemembers or civilians that played a significant role in the base or the Air Force. Planning for these re-naming events started last spring with some of the requests still working their way through the Air Force approval process. Look for more information on not only street, but building re-naming in future articles. Many of the 65th anniversary events will take place the third week of September and culminate with our Air Force Ball Sept. 21. Beginning Sept. 19, 14 former Columbus AFB Wing Commanders, Command Chiefs/Senior Enlisted advisors will arrive on base to take part in the Wing's Senior Leadership reunion. The returning senior leaders will receive updates in both Columbus AFB infrastructure and mission. They will also participate in our POW/MIA Retreat Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. and will feature a T-38 Missing Man Formation flyover by the Striking Snakes of the 50th Flying Training Squadron. Several street re-namings will be unveiled at the event as well. Friday's events will begin with a tour of the base and our newest facilities. For lunch, the former wing commanders will be reunited with all the named Wingman of Columbus AFB. A wingman is the highest honor a wing commander can bestow upon a civilian as they depart command. After the luncheon, the senior leaders, Wingman and distinguished guests will gather at the Graduation Center to officially rename it in honor of a local WWI pilot. Friday will culminate with the Columbus AFB 60th Birthday Ball will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center. General William Looney, Commander of the Air Education and Training Command Randolph AFB, Texas, will be the keynote speaker at the Ball. Ball tickets will go on sale Monday through Sept. 7. See unit representatives for ticket information. Next week, Silver Wings will release details on what to expect at the AF Ball including program, menu and entertainment.
